Combine the courtroom drama that pervades John Grishamís novels with the romance and seduction found in a typical Harlequin romance, and the result would be something along the lines of M.J. Roseís novel Flesh Tones. Author Rose effortlessly intertwines the murder trial of thirty-eight-year-old Genny Haviland with the story of her passionate love affair with artist George Gabriel, who just happens to be man she is accused of brutally murdering.

According to prosecutors, Genny Haviland murdered the artist George Gabriel in an attempt to prevent his abandonment of the art gallery that historically promoted and displayed his work. The Gallery, bracing itself for financial hardship in the event Gabriel decided not to renew his contract, was now, as a result of his death, in the position to achieve significant financial gains. The gallery in question, the Haviland Gallery, just happens to be owned by Genny Havilandís father.

Genny was only seventeen years old when she first met George. She first sighted him through a window of her fatherís gallery high above the street as she instinctively willed him to leap out of the way of oncoming traffic. This chance meeting led to a steamy love affair that lasted until George learned of her youth and her identity as the daughter of the gallery owner. Apart for years, they lived separate lives, but the connection they established remained a dominant presence in both of their lives.

A chance meeting years after their parting rekindled their romance, but new circumstances made their shared future an impossibility. Georgeís illness and his subsequent death is the basis of a high-profile trial which forces Genny to relive her most intimate moments with George, explore the meaning of true love, and acknowledge its potential costs. As the trial progresses, Genny is able to reconcile her love for George with the actions she undertook -- letting go of one true love and truly opening her heart to another.